SAF Workplace Ergonomics & Health 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which keyboard placement best reduces wrist extension and ulnar deviation during typing?
- Keyboard tilted away from the user (negative tilt) (Correct answer)
- Keyboard tilted toward the user (positive tilt)
- Keyboard placed at shoulder height
- Keyboard placed flat on a desk above elbow level
Correct answer: Keyboard tilted away from the user (negative tilt)
A negative keyboard tilt keeps the wrists in a neutral or slightly extended position, reducing ulnar deviation and strain.
Question 2: A worker reports numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers after prolonged elbow flexion. Which nerve is most likely compressed?
- Median nerve
- Radial nerve
- Ulnar nerve (Correct answer)
- Brachial nerve
Correct answer: Ulnar nerve
The ulnar nerve runs behind the medial epicondyle and is compressed by prolonged elbow flexion, causing symptoms in the ring and little fingers.
Question 3: What is the recommended maximum angle of neck flexion for sustained computer work to minimize cervical strain?
- 0–15 degrees (Correct answer)
- 20–30 degrees
- 35–45 degrees
- 50–60 degrees
Correct answer: 0–15 degrees
Neck flexion beyond 15 degrees significantly increases compressive forces on the cervical spine and should be avoided for sustained work.
Question 4: Under OSHA's ergonomics guidance, what is the first recommended action when a worker reports early signs of a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)?
- Reassign the worker to a different department
- Provide early symptom reporting and prompt health care referral (Correct answer)
- Wait 30 days to determine if symptoms resolve naturally
- Immediately file a workers' compensation claim
Correct answer: Provide early symptom reporting and prompt health care referral
Early reporting systems and prompt health care referral are central to OSHA's MSD management approach, preventing progression of injuries.
Question 5: Which lighting measurement unit is used to quantify illuminance on a work surface?
- Candela
- Lumen
- Foot-candle (lux) (Correct answer)
- Nit
Correct answer: Foot-candle (lux)
Foot-candles (or lux in SI units) measure illuminance — the amount of light hitting a surface per unit area.
Question 6: A standing workstation should be adjusted so the work surface is at approximately what body landmark for precision assembly tasks?
- Hip height
- Elbow height (Correct answer)
- Shoulder height
- Mid-chest height
Correct answer: Elbow height
For precision work at a standing station, the surface should be slightly above elbow height to allow visual inspection without excessive neck flexion.
Question 7: Which ergonomic risk factor is most associated with development of trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis)?
- Sustained pinch grip combined with repetitive finger flexion (Correct answer)
- Prolonged static shoulder elevation
- Whole-body vibration from vehicle operation
- Excessive trunk rotation while seated
Correct answer: Sustained pinch grip combined with repetitive finger flexion
Trigger finger results from inflammation of the flexor tendon sheath, commonly caused by repetitive pinch gripping and forceful finger flexion.
SAF Workplace Ergonomics & Health 2
Which keyboard placement best reduces wrist extension and ulnar deviation during typing?